Old North News

The North Carolina Department of Commerce recently hosted its 50th annual Veterans Employment Services Training Conference in Cherokee. This event provided an opportunity for professional development among NCWorks Veterans Services team members, highlighted various programs aiding veterans, and celebrated the collaboration with the U.S. Department of Labor’s Veterans Employment & Training Service (VETS).

"North Carolina’s veterans often face unique struggles as they transition back to civilian life and find employment. We owe them a debt of gratitude, so we must do everything we can to ease that transition, help them access critical services, and connect them with employers," stated Governor Josh Stein. He emphasized the value veterans bring to the workforce and reiterated his commitment to supporting them.

Secretary Lee Lilley of the N.C. Department of Commerce remarked, "As we commemorate the 50th Veterans Employment Services Training Conference, we honor the unwavering commitment of our veterans and reaffirm North Carolina's dedication to supporting them." Lilley highlighted the vital role played by NCWorks Veterans Services professionals, who are all veterans themselves, in linking veterans to employment opportunities.

The event underscored the efforts of 50 NCWorks Veterans Services professionals, positioned at NCWorks Career Centers throughout North Carolina. These centers assist jobseekers, including veterans, transitioning servicemembers, and military spouses, and play a crucial role in aiding employers to fulfill their talent needs. The department also partners with North Carolina For Military Employment (NC4ME) for special hiring events.

Chief Deputy Secretary Jordan Whichard addressed the conference, stating, "We salute our dedicated veterans representatives, based at NCWorks Career Centers across North Carolina, who support veterans every day through individualized career services and making connections to employers and other partners." Whichard emphasized the importance of engaging the skills and talents of military veterans and helping them overcome employment barriers.

The conference covered topics such as collaboration with veteran programs, mental health, reentry, technology, agricultural careers, and serving Native American veterans.

Secretary Jocelyn Mitnaul Mallette of the North Carolina Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (NC DMVA) commented on the partnership with the Department of Commerce, saying, "The Department is grateful for this relationship that allows us to combine resources to better serve our veterans and their families."

The tradition of federally funded veterans' employment services began with the Wagner-Peyser Act of 1933, with significant expansion during the 1970s post-Vietnam War. North Carolina's first veterans employment training conference took place in 1975.

Awards were presented during the conference, including the DAV Chapter 45 Award to Rory Springs and Zachary Branch; the Innovation Award to Andrew Holland, Saul McCloyen, and Walter Gillispie; the Innovation in Veterans Services Award to Lilibeth Howell; the Social Media “Influencer of the Year” Award to Reeshema Walker; the Community Partnership Award to Paul Escamilla, Leon Grimes, and Gerard Ball; and the Resilience Recognition Award to Alexis Davis, Randy Silver, Saul McCloyen, and Lamarris Williams.

NCWorks Career Centers offer "priority of service" to veterans and eligible spouses, ensuring targeted support for those facing employment challenges. More information can be accessed through www.NCWorks.gov and the NCWorks Veterans Portal at veterans.ncworks.gov.

NCWorks Veterans Services are supported by the Jobs for Veterans State Grant, financed by the Veterans' Employment and Training Service (VETS) of the U.S. Department of Labor, with a total award amounting to $5,703,016.